• Clare one of the local authorities earmarked for revaluation
• Deferral will help keep businesses afloat

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is calling on the government to defer the planned revaluation of commercial rates in Clare, Donegal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Galway, Kerry and Mayo in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

The revaluation process is taking place as part of Revaluation 2023 is a national programme aimed at ensuring that the rateable valuation of all commercial and industrial property in Ireland reflects the current business environment.

However, Deputy Crowe has requested that an Taoiseach put a stop to these plans in the interim, given the economic uncertainty facing many small businesses.

“The government must consider a deferral of the revaluation of commercial rates as a matter of urgency,” said Deputy Crowe.

“It’s been 160 years since the last valuation – the last one taking place in 1862 – so there’s no reason why this can’t be postponed now; a year or two will make no difference at this point.

“They’ve been well supported by government during Covid and in the recent Budget but this is a cliff-edge for them.

“They’re facing rates hikes of 33% and more and they’re looking for government to step in and do something.

“It could cancel out all of the benefits from recent actions taken by government.

“There’s legislative processes to follow here but a statutory instrument could defer this and I think it would be prudent when these small businesses such as coffee shops and retail outlets are facing an existential crisis.

“I’ve raised this matter with an Taoiseach, who will talk to the Minister for Finance about my proposal, and this is something I will be following up on.”

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• Groups invited to apply to deliver 2023-2027 LEADER Programme
• Targets positive impact for rural Ireland

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the allocation of €6.8 million in funding for Clare under the LEADER Programme.

Minister Heather Humphreys has this morning announced a total of €180 million for the programme, from 2023 to 2027.

Interested groups are now being invited to apply for funding under the LEADER programme which will support thousands of locally-led rural development and enterprise projects over the next five years.

Encouraging groups from across Clare to apply, Deputy Crowe said, “I’m delighted to see this significant allocation of LEADER funding which will support local development and enterprise projects across the county over the next five years.

“Rural development and supporting rural enterprises is a core belief and value for myself and Fianna Fáil.

“Funding streams like LEADER are imperative to supporting rural communities and enterprises across Clare and I would encourage all interested groups to apply.

“Interested parties have between now and December 16^th to submit their expression of interest and those who are successful at this stage will be provided with funding to assist in developing a local development strategy in Stage 2 of the process.

“We have seen that LEADER funding has been a very successful project for the county and I look forward to working with local groups in their applications for this funding.”

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• Funding announced under Community Centres Investment Fund
• 17 successful applicants in Clare

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the announcement of over €386,000 in funding for 17 community centres, parish halls, GAA clubhouses and community facilities across Clare today.

The funding has been allocated by Minister Heather Humphreys, with grants of up to €25,000 available for improvement and upgrade works.

“I’m a regular user of many of these facilities for my weekly clinics around the county so I’m delighted to see the hard work put in by these groups in attaining this funding pay off,” said Deputy Crowe.

“These grants, issued under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) will support groups to carry out refurbishments and improvements of their local community facility.

“This can include everything from energy retrofitting to disability access; from new windows and doors to improvements to the services provided such as Meals on Wheels.

“I know how difficult it is for many of these community groups to fundraise for necessary repairs and so forth on their premises so it’s particularly welcome at present, especially in light of the rising building costs.

“I look forward to visiting each of these facilities once again on my travels around Clare to hear what they intend on doing with their grants.

“In a county like Clare, the community centre or the parish hall or the GAA clubhouse – whatever it may be – is the heart of the community, particularly in rural areas.

“It’s vital that we support them in every way possible.

“I’m also aware that many community centres are struggling to make ends meet with rising energy bills and water tariffs – this is an issue I have raised directly with Minister Humphreys and I want to see strong action taken to ensure the survival of these facilities outside of remedial works.”

Full list of successful applicants

• Ballyvaughan Hall CLG (€24,360.95)
• Carrigoran House (€13,896.94)
• Cill Mhuire Community Centre CLG (€23,137)
• Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre (€25,000)
• Crusheen Community Centre CLG (€25,000)
• Doonbeg Community Development Co. (€24,085.86)
• Feakle Muintir na Tire (€24,023.04)
• Kilmurry McMahon Community Centre Committee (€11,747.25)
• Loughgraney Community Development Association (€23,933)
• Mike McTigue Community Centre (€25,000)
• Miltown Malbay Development Company Ltd (€25,000)
• Mná ag Gáire (€25,000)
• Ogonnelloe Community Centre Ltd (€16,110)
• Ruan Dysart Resource Group CLG (€25,000)
• Sixmilebridge GAA Club (€24,947.47)
• Tulach na Farraighe Community Hall (€25,000)
• West Clare Family Resource Centre (€25,000)

• New routes to Newcastle and Beziers confirmed
• Third aircraft to be based at Shannon Airport

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe has welcomed today’s announcement of two new Ryanair routes from Shannon Airport – as well as the addition of a third aircraft at the airport.

The low-cost airline has today confirmed that a twice-weekly service from the Midwest airport to Beziers in the South of France will begin from the summer of 2023; while Newcastle in the UK will be served three times a week.

A third aircraft has also been confirmed as being based in the airport, creating up to 30 new jobs.

“This is hugely welcome news for our airport and our region,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Today’s announcement brings the total number of Ryanair routes from Shannon Airport to 24 routes and means more than 180 flights a week will be taking off and landing – a 60 percent increase on pre-pandemic levels.

“I spoke with CEO of Ryanair Michael O’Leary in recent weeks about the need for further investment in Shannon and I’m glad to say that today’s announcement shows his commitment to our airport and the Midwest region.

“The addition of a third aircraft at Shannon specifically is a point I strongly made to him – in addition to the existing two Boeing 737s based there, this means the possibility of future announcements has increased too.

“I would now encourage Clare residents in their droves to look to Shannon for their holidays, to ensure the continued growth of our airport post-pandemic.

“The economic success of our region is intrinsically linked to the flourishing of Shannon Airport.”

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